On Rev. Alyssa’s list of lifelong ministry goals is an item that reads, “Offer a Blessing of the Animals ritual.” She’s even purchased an animal-themed stole in anticipation of the day. Traditionally, animal blessing rituals take place in the early autumn to help celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of all of God’s non-human creatures/children.

Alyssa hopes to plan an animal blessing service that will take place sometime before the end of October. The date has yet to be determined and will be announced in the weekly e-announcements, so be sure to keep an eye out. If you would like to help plan the service or volunteer on the day of the event, please send Alyssa an email (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Alyssa will seek support from the Growing with God and Creating Community ministry teams, but we can always use some extra minds and hands.

Non-aggressive pets of all species will be welcomed, as long as they pose no threat to others and are on a leash, in a baby carrier or an animal backpack, crated/caged, or otherwise contained and controllable (we don’t want any people or pet friends being hurt or escaping and running into Woodford Street!). COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed.

In order to provide spiritual care for all members of the Woodfords community – including folks who may not feel comfortable returning to in-person worship at this time – Pastor Alyssa is offering some digital worship services in addition to Sunday morning services. If you are familiar with the Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, or Lutheran traditions, you may be familiar with services called “Matins” or “Morning Prayer.” You also may have heard of “Vespers” or “Evening Prayer.” These services offer opportunities for soul community, prayer, and contemplation as the day begins (Matins/Morning Prayer) or winds down (Vespers/Evening Prayer).

If you would like to help out with these digital offerings, please let Alyssa know (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Thanks!

There will be a Downeast Fair this year, but it will take on a different look given that we’re uncertain about when we can gather again at Woodfords. Some of your old favorites will be available on fair day, such as cookies, chowder, lobster rolls, and wreaths, all of which will be available by pre-order for fair day pickup. Some things will be moving to online auction format, including the silent auction, knitting, crafts and sewing. And, unfortunately, other familiar things — books, jewelry, the pantry, attic treasures, and the Christmas room —will have to be put on hold for a year until we can meet in person.

What can you do? We will be looking for all kinds of auction-worthy items, and for people to help photograph these items since we’ll be posting them with descriptions and images in the online auction. We’re also putting together teams to bake cookies at church for the boxed cookies we’ll be offering, and for folks to assist in the kitchen. Everything will be done under health and safety protocols put in place by our building reopening team.

It will definitely be a different fair this year, but we hope you’ll continue your support with lots of auction donations, online bidding, and food and wreath ordering. Much more information will be coming soon, but the fair team wanted you to know we’re hard at work to bring you some holiday spirit in the form of a “new normal” version of this much-loved Woodfords event.

—Philip Sheldrake

Curious? Join us for a workshop exploring a theology of desire and how befriending our desires can be a liberating part of your spiritual life. Spiritual Director and Mennonite leader Tamara Shantz will lead us from Ontario for this 90 minute zoom workshop. She will also facilitate a four-week small group opportunity for those who wish to go deeper with this process in their own lives.

These weekly sessions (maximum of 12 people) will focus on spiritual practices and group sharing. Participants will be given practices to try at home during the week and a significant portion of each session will be given to small group or circle sharing from what arose during the week. Please email Tamara (ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org) with questions or to register.

October Book Discussion: Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson

Woodfords’ racial justice conversation group invites everyone to participate in its upcoming dialogues about racial justice in America. Participation in prior conversations is not necessary; there are no prerequisites for joining us other than an interest in getting together with other learners and conversation partners. Find login information and more details on Woodfords’ online calendar or contact Teri for assistance. The weekly e-announcements, Woodfords’ webpage, and future editions of the Beacon will contain notices about future conversation opportunities

During this time when we are not able to host any homeless families, Greater Portland Family Promise is focusing on assisting our graduate families, many of whom are struggling during this time of pandemic. Woodfords has been assigned a family of 5 (including a new born baby boy named Anderson after our own Linda Anderson!), living in an apartment in downtown Portland. A great way to provide assistance at this time would be the donation of gift cards that could be used for groceries and other household supplies. Hannaford, Walmart, or Target cards would be best. These can be mailed to Woodfords Church, and our volunteer group can use them to help meet our family's needs. Thank you in advance for your support of this important work. Please feel free to contact Linda Anderson (lindajeananderson@icloud.com) with any questions you may have. Thank you!